The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is a nonprofit humane society that shelters animals in Arlington, Virginia
Funny, Friendly Ferrets
Are you a nonconformist? Do you march to the beat of a different drum? Then perhaps you want a pet that expresses your individuality. Consider adopting a ferret. Ferrets are fun, fantastic pets! They are silly scoundrels who are either sleeping or clowning around. Life for a ferret is all about playing, sleeping, and eating. Ferrets are also very nosey. These little guys get into everything, so it is important to keep them safe from potential household dangers and provide them with appropriate toys and activities to keep them busy and out of trouble.
Off-limits
A ferret ownerÂ’s ferret-proofing job is never done. These fearless critters will get into everything and will go places you would never imagine. Ferrets will climb over baby gates, open drawers and cabinets, crawl under furniture, and explore every nook and cranny they can find. Anywhere a ferret's head can go, the body can follow, so never underestimate your ferret's ability to squeeze into small spaces. A ferret should always be supervised when out of its cage. Here are a few pointers that identify common household dangers:
Kitchen
Exposed wires, pilot lights, and fans that are found in and around appliances are very dangerous. Look for holes inside cabinets or near the floor that would allow your ferret to get outside or lost inside walls. Some ferrets will open the refrigerator and hop right in. Cleaning solutions, soaps, and detergents may also be tasty to a ferret and should be kept in a secure cabinet.
Laundry room
A recently used dryer is a warm place to take a nap, so always check before you turn it on. Also remember to check clothes before you throw them into the washing machine. Ferrets also enjoy taking naps in your dirty laundry.
Recliners and sofa beds
Ferrets can burrow into the cushions of your couch or bed, so look before you fold them up or sit down. Ferrets may crawl under your furniture, digging and scratching their way into your cushions. Your ferret may swallow pieces of the cushion causing a blockage and could also be crushed if someone sat down. Likewise, ferrets may crawl under an area rug, so watch before you step! Foam rubber, Styrofoam, insulation, sponges, rubber bands, stuffing from cushions, electrical chords, and anything spongy or rubbery are all household items your ferret may chew on. Any of these can cause a blockage.
Other hazards
Keep toilet lids down; your ferret could drown in a toilet. If you take baths, do not leave a filled tub unattended. Do not give your ferret an empty toilet paper or paper towel roll as their heads may get stuck in these and they could choke or suffocate. Some plants are poisonous to ferrets and should be kept out of reach. Window screens and screened doors should be securely latched; a ferret on its own outside will not survive long.
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Keeping your ferret happy means providing the environment he needs to fulfill his natural behavior. Ferrets will adjust to work around your schedule in terms of sleep and play. Ferrets need about 2-3 hours of supervised exercise outside the cage every day, so don't expect your ferrets to be happy sitting in the cage all day.
Sleeping
Ferrets sleep about 15-20 hours a day. Their motto is, "Play hard, sleep hard." Most ferrets prefer to sleep in a hammock, which you can find in local pet stores. You can also provide old sweatshirts, t-shirts, or towels for bedding.
Playing
Ferrets are very social and do best in pairs; they enjoy having someone to play with whether it is another ferret or you. Toys are also an important part of keeping them entertained: plastic balls with bells, golf balls, tennis balls, Kongs, squeaky toys made for dogs, and the fishing pole type of toys made for cats are fun for ferrets to chase and bat at. Do not give your ferret toys made from soft latex or spongy foam rubber. A few cardboard boxes with holes cut in them for your ferret to climb in and on can be entertaining. You should throw away any toys that start to fall apart so that your ferret doesn't swallow any pieces.
Burrowing
You can buy a tunnel at a pet store especially made for ferrets and other critters, or you can make your own from plastic pipe, dryer hose, or black drainage tubing at least 4inches in diameter. You can even cut off the leg of an old pair of jeans for your ferret to crawl through.
Ferrets are not for everyone. They need special care to keep them safe and an owner that will enjoy their silly antics. If you are thinking of adding a ferret to your family, as with any other pet you should first do your homework. Educate yourself so that you can decide if a ferret is the right kind of pet for you. Contact the league if you would like more information on these fabulous creatures.
For more information on ferrets, see , ,and or check out the book .
Are you a nonconformist? Do you march to the beat of a different drum? Then perhaps you want a pet that expresses your individuality. Consider adopting a ferret. Ferrets are fun, fantastic pets! They are silly scoundrels who are either sleeping or clowning around. Life for a ferret is all about playing, sleeping, and eating. Ferrets are also very nosey. These little guys get into everything, so it is important to keep them safe from potential household dangers and provide them with appropriate toys and activities to keep them busy and out of trouble.
